Rúben Amorim has confirmed why Mason Mount came off at half-time as Manchester United secured a much-needed win against Newcastle.
Manchester United edged past Newcastle United with a tense 1-0 win on Boxing Day, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s volley proving decisive.
United started brightly, but swift tactical tweaks from Eddie Howe allowed Newcastle to grow into the game. Just before the 25th minute, Dorgu struck to break the deadlock and give United a crucial advantage.
Rúben Amorim’s side stayed composed and controlled proceedings for the rest of the first half. After the break, Amorim was forced into a change as Jack Fletcher replaced Mason Mount, seemingly due to injury.
Newcastle dominated possession throughout the second half, yet United stood firm. Standout defensive contributions from Ayden Heaven, Senne Lammens, and Dorgu ensured the clean sheet was preserved, sealing a hard-fought victory.
The result delivers a valuable three points and a much-needed shutout, lifting United into fifth place in the Premier League, with several rivals still to play this weekend.
Why Mount came off at half-time
United’s first half against Newcastle was yet another encouraging display, with Dorgu’s goal the creme de la creme in what was a fantastic set of performances from the likes of Mount, Matheus Cunha, and Heaven.
However, at half-time, many were surprised to see Mount withdrawn, with 18-year-old Jack Fletcher slotting in the attacking midfield role.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Amorim confirmed that although the Englishman felt a minor issue, his substitution was more due to risk-aversion.
“He felt something at half time,” the United boss confirmed. “He wanted to go [for the second half], and that is also a good thing. He wanted to go to the second half, but we cannot lose more players. And if you are not 100%, Jack did a very good job.”
Amorim fixing previous criticisms at United
Amorim has been criticised heavily for not using youth players when the time comes, but to his credit, he’s changed that.
Read More: Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle: Five things learned as Rúben Amorim has unlocked a gem (Premier League)
After giving Fletcher and Shea Lacey their debuts against Villa last week, he continued with his trust in young players.
19-year-old Heaven has started the last five games for United, while he called upon the likes of Fletcher and Tyler Fredricson against Newcastle when the game needed to be shut out was brilliant.
Going forward, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Amad, and Bryan Mbeumo not available for up to a month, this must continue.
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